TEMPE, Ariz. – In tandem with its earlier announcement regarding design professionals, Arizona State University took another important step today in its plans to transformSun Devil Stadium by hiring a team that brings both local and national experience to the role of construction manager at-risk: Hunt Construction and Sundt Construction, Inc.

“This is a very important decision and one where experience and a proven track record are critical elements,” said Ray Anderson, Vice President for University Athletics and Athletic Director for Arizona State University. “We have complete confidence that the team of Hunt and Sundt will deliver on time and on budget, and that our student-athletes, fans, and the entire community will enjoy a top-tier facility.”

While plans and are proceeding, the project still requires the approval of the Arizona Board of Regents. That process will occur later this Fall.

Bruce Jensen, the university’s Executive Director for Capital Programs, said ASU will use the construction manager at-risk contracting method for the stadium project because it provides both cost and time savings advantages.

”We have taken an approach that maximizes cooperation and collaboration,” said Jensen. “The success of this project, in large part, requires an architect and a construction manager who will work together, designing as we go forward. We have that in place and the next round of work starts today.”

Arizona State University planners went through a public RFQ (Request for Qualifications) process to solicit proposals and then conducted interviews with finalists before making its selection.

“Sun Devil Stadium is an iconic venue that represents Arizona’s sports history and will be the exemplar for its future,” said Hunt’s Executive Vice President Robert Hart. “Hunt Construction is thrilled to be a part of it, as we have been to other defining local projects. This project is a commitment by the university to our community, and our firm makes the same commitment to ASU to help create a landmark that makes us all proud.”

“It is from the Sundt track record of experience that we can testify to the impact of stadium projects – particularly at universities—on an entire community and with people who share an affinity” said Ryan Abbott, Group Leader, at Sundt. “Projects that make a statement connect with their community and Sun Devil Stadium has always done that. Sundt is proud to be part of the Sun Devil Athletics team.

Earlier this year, the university initiated its Momentum fundraising campaign committed to raise private money to help rebuild the aging stadium. The project will not use taxpayer dollars toward the project, since it will be self-funded through private donations and new revenue streams.

While final design is just beginning, the project will feature elements that reflect the mission of the university, including its focus on sustainability, technology and innovation. Enhancements in the stadium are expected to include an expanded student section, a new concourse experience, better seating, more restrooms with enhanced quality, improved concessions, a premiere video board and sound system, in-stadium technology for fan enjoyment and education, extensive accessibility improvements, an air-conditioned club, along with other amenities.

Sun Devil Stadium, which was originally constructed in 1958, has played host to the Super Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, NFL games, and has appeared in several movies. The last major renovation to Sun Devil Stadium came in 1988 when 1,700 seats were added to bring the facility to a capacity of 71,706.

This spring, approximately 5,700 seats were removed from the upper north end zone as a preliminary step toward transforming the stadium. The project will be conducted in phases while the Sun Devil football team continues to play its regular seasons in the stadium, with construction being completed in 2017.